Into the dark night Resignedly I go, I am not so afraid of the dark night As the friends I do not know, I do not fear the night above As I fear the friends below.
Interpretation
The quote reflects a fear of isolation and the unknown in relationships rather than the fear of darkness itself.
In this quote, Stevie Smith expresses a profound fear of loneliness and unfamiliarity in human connections. While the darkness of night can be intimidating, the poet emphasizes that the real dread comes from the unknown friendships and connections that may not materialize. It suggests that our anxieties about social interactions and acceptance can often overshadow the more external fears around us.
In practice
This quote could be used to highlight the importance of maintaining friendships during difficult times at a mental health seminar.
My friendships, they are a very strong part of my life, they are as light as gossamer but also they are as strong as steel. And I cannot throw them off, nor altogether do with them or without them. And I love them at the point where they say: It is nice to see you again. And I love them too at the point when they say: Good-bye, come again soon. The rhythm of friendship is a very good rhythm.
Nobody heard him, the dead man, But still he lay moaning. I was much further out than you thought, and not waving but drowning. I was much too far out all my life, And not waving but drowning.
A kind and gentle heart he had, To comfort friends and foes; The naked every day he clad When he put on his clothes.
I am blessed beyond reason with women friends.
What is the most appropriate thing to say to a friend who was about to die. He answered:”tell your friend that in his death, a part of you dies and goes with him. Whenever he goes, you also g. He will not be alone".
We ought, all of us, to realize each other in this intense, pathetic, and important way. If you say that this is absurd, and that we cannot be in love with everyone at once, I merely point out to you that, as a matter of fact, certain persons do exist with an enormous capacity for friendship and for taking delight in other people's lives; and that such persons know more of truth than if their hearts were not so big.
I don't know what I would do in the world without [female friends] for advice, for comfort, for simply knowing that there is someone out there who knows me as I am, and loves me despite and because of it.
There's something about losing friends, particularly young people, where it's not something that you get over. I don't believe there's a healing process.
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